Best Sick Tea Recipe (Hot and Effective)
Sipping on a hot cup of tea when you are sick can help reduce symptoms and provide comfort at the same time. Make this to help ease coughing, congestion, fever, and flu-like symptoms.
I use herbs in many ways. One effective way is by combining them into a tea to relieve ailments related to sickness. This has been highly beneficial for my family.
Importantly, I use herbs that have medicinal properties with proven benefits in this tea. There are credible studies that validate the benefits; However, some findings prove that the herbs have a more successful outcome than others.
This can be due to several factors such as potency of the herb due to growth, care, climate, source, etc. Therefore, it is best to use the highest quality herbs.
Additionally, relief varies depending on the type of sickness and circumstances, but the recovery rate of drinking a hot tea versus not is noticeable to us.
This herbal tea uses simple ingredients you can try out for yourself, whether it is to relieve current symptoms or as a way to improve your immune system during flu season.
Herbs used and their benefits
Elderberry
- Strengthens immunity
- May decrease the duration of cold symptoms
- Can help lessen cold, respiratory, and flu symptoms as well as nasal congestion
- Contains immune boosting compounds, antioxidant properties, and anti-inflammatory properties
Mullein
- Studies show its efficacy in dealing with inflamed nasal passages related to colds and viral infections.
- The flowers have shown antiviral benefits, too.
- The leaves contain a higher content of antibacterial compounds.
- Tends to have an earthy, mild flavor
Chamomile
- Helps reduce stress and promotes sleep, both of which are important for the body during a time of healing and repairing from a sickness.
- Antimicrobial properties have been shown to outperform antibiotic usage in studies such as this one with wound healing.
- Demonstrates antiviral effects
Ginger
- Studies have shown a significant lessening of nausea when ginger is used
- This finding occurs in different scenarios, with nausea being a symptom
- Ginger has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which have been supported by scientific studies.
- Studies such as this show ginger's effectiveness potential on throat infections, a sore throat, and throat inflammation and irritation.
Thyme (Optional)
- High vitamin and mineral content, especially Vitamins A and C
- Vitamin A benefits the clearing of mucous membranes, and Vitamin C aids in fighting illness.
- Capable of stabilizing free radicals due to the oxygen radical absorbance capacity given by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Nutrient Database.
- Contains antibacterial and antiviral properties
- Thyme has a robust flavor and may be too overpowering for some. Therefore, a small amount may be added if so desired.
Sick Tea Recipe
Make this comforting hot tea recipe to help alleviate coughing, congestion, fever, nausea, and other illness symptoms faster.
Ingredients
- 1/4 Tbsp dried Elderberries
- 2 Tsp. Dried Mullein
- 1 Tsp. Dried Chamomile
- 1/2 Tsp. Dried Ginger
- 1/8 - 1/4 Tsp. Dried Thyme (Optional: May be too robust of a flavor for some)
- A bit of honey may be added for sweetness (Optional)
Instructions
- Heat 12 oz. of water to just before boiling. This will account for any water evaporation.
- Place all dried herbs into a tea bag or tea kettle ball.
- Take the water off the heat and place the tea bag in the water.
- Let the tea bag soak in the hot water for approximately 7-10 minutes.
- Remove the tea bag and enjoy your cup of tea.
- Optionally, add a tsp. of honey for a bit of sweetness.
Notes
Adding a bit of honey can have medicinal properties, especially when it is added to warm tea that has cooled slightly. Manuka honey is a good choice, known for its antibacterial properties and its help in soothing sore throats.
Additionally, the honey can help offset the strong flavor of the thyme if you choose to add it.
Also, leave out the chamomile if you need to drink the tea at a time when you need to be alert.
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